Abbey McDonald
Senior Reporter Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022, where she covers homelessness and housing. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
Kotek praises Salem’s homeless response in Chamber speech
Gov. Tina Kotek spoke to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Monday in her first public appearance of the year, reiterating her support for a state payment to support city emergency services.
CULTURE: January’s art, history exhibitions and events
Galleries in Salem this month are showcasing self-taught artists, expert weavers and neon works by mixed-media artist Willem Volkersz who will give a public lecture at Willamette University on Jan. 20.
Independence couple welcomes Salem’s first baby of 2024
Baby Broden Culpepper was born at Salem Hospital 40 seconds after midnight on New Year’s Day, making him likely the first baby born in the state in 2024.
In lawsuit, 911 dispatcher alleges Salem wouldn’t reschedule job exam so she could testify against abuser
An emergency dispatcher is suing the city of Salem and her supervisor, alleging that they would not accommodate her scheduled court testimony against her accused rapist and intimidated her for speaking to coworkers about the issue.
TOP STORIES: Haunted houses, glass birds and taxes
Community Reporter Abbey McDonald shares her favorite Salem stories from this year.
After ordeal, new parents look forward to New Year as a family
Jessica Warren was 25 weeks pregnant in October when abdominal pain sent her to the emergency room at Salem Hospital. She ended up on a helicopter to OHSU, and later welcomed her son into the world weighing just over 2 pounds.
EVENTS: New Year’s Eve celebrations in Salem
A kids’ balloon drop, a whodunit mystery dinner and comedy shows are among the Salem New Year’s Eve festivities this weekend.
Salem to invest in Vision Zero road safety plan
The City of Salem hopes to eliminate pedestrian and road deaths in the next decade. Its goal to lower speed limits and develop a “Vision Zero” plan was recently awarded $2.8 million by the federal government.
After devastating fire, St. Joseph’s prepares for Christmas Mass
Renovations continue four months after arson burned the roof and caused extensive smoke damage to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Christmas Mass will meet in a gymnasium.
Unicorns, murder mysteries and magical adventures: Here are Salem’s top reads of 2023
Of thousands of books at the Salem Public Library, several titles stood out this year as community favorites. Here are the top book, DVD and “library of things” checkouts of 2023, plus some picks from local librarians.